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The origin of Manichaeism is related to [[Zoroastrianism]]. That is why Bogomilism is sometimes indirectly connected to Zoroastrianism by affinity in the sense of its duality. The existence of older Christian heresies in the Bulgarian lands (Manichaeism and Paulicianism), which were considered very dualistic, undoubtedly influenced the development of the Bogomil movement.  

The origin of Manichaeism is related to [[Zoroastrianism]]. That is why Bogomilism is sometimes indirectly connected to Zoroastrianism by affinity in the sense of its duality. The existence of older Christian heresies in the Bulgarian lands (Manichaeism and Paulicianism), which were considered very dualistic, undoubtedly influenced the development of the Bogomil movement.  

The Bogomils first appeared in the tenth-eleventh century in the Balkans between about 1000 and 1400. They arose as a sect of Christian heretics who promulgated a neo-Gnostic [[Anarchism|anarchic]] dualist doctrine in Bulgaria, and spread throughout the Byzantine Empire.  

The Bogomils first appeared in the tenth-eleventh century in the Balkans between about 1000 and 1400. They arose as a sect of Christian heretics who promulgated a neo-Gnostic [[Anarchism|anarchic]] dualist doctrine in Bulgaria, and spread throughout the Byzantine Empire. The Bogomils called for a return to what they considered to be early spiritual teaching, rejecting the ecclesiastical hierarchy, and their primary political tendencies were resistance to the state and church authorities following the [[Council of Nicaea]] or the [[Nicene Creed]].  

The gradual Christianization of the Bulgarian population, the fact that the service of worship was initially practiced in Greek, which only the elite knew, resulted in a low level of understanding of the religion among the peasantry. Moreover, the purported [[corruption]] of the Byzantine church as an institution, [[Envy|as seen by its opponents]], led to grave disappointment among its recently converted flock. Due to the constant wars during the time of Tsar Simeon I, the lands near the Byzantine border (Thrace) were devastated, and the people living there were left without occupation. The constant change of authority over these lands, and the higher taxes during the time of Tsar Peter I, gave birth to a great social discontent at the beginning of the 10th century

The gradual Christianization of the Bulgarian population, the fact that the service of worship was initially practiced in Greek, which only the elite knew, resulted in a low level of understanding of the new religion among the peasantry. Moreover, the purported [[corruption]] of the Byzantine church as an institution, ''[[Envy|as seen by its opponents]]'', led to grave disappointment among its recently converted flock. Due to the constant wars during the time of Tsar Simeon I, the lands near the Byzantine border (Thrace) were devastated, and the people living there were left without occupation. The constant change of authority over these lands, and the higher taxes during the time of Tsar Peter I, gave birth to a great social discontent at the beginning of the 10th century

The Gnostic social-religious movement and doctrine of Bogomilism that originated in the time of Peter I of Bulgaria (927–969), is alleged in the modern day to be a reaction against state and clerical oppression by the Byzantine church. It was an outcome of many factors that had arisen in the beginning of the 10th century, most probably in the region of Macedonia.

The Gnostic social-religious movement and doctrine of Bogomilism that originated in the time of Peter I of Bulgaria (927–969), is alleged in the modern day to be a reaction against state and clerical oppression by the Byzantine church. It was an outcome of many factors that had arisen in the beginning of the 10th century, most probably in the region of Macedonia.

The main source of doctrinal information is the work of Euthymius Zigabenus, who says that they believe that God created man's soul but matter was the invention of Satan, God's older son, who in seducing Eve lost his creative power. For Bogomils "the Logos was not the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Eternal Word incarnate, but merely the spoken word of God, shown in the oral teaching of Christ". Concerning the Bogomils themselves, something can be gathered from the polemic ''Against the Newly-Appeared Heresy of the Bogomils'' written in Slavonic by Cosmas the Priest, a 10th-century Bulgarian official. The Slavonic sources are unanimous on the point that the teaching of the priest Bogomil was Manichaean. The names of Bogomil's pupils or "apostles", were said to be Mihail, Todur, Dobri, Stefan, Vasilie and Peter. Zealous missionaries carried the doctrines of Bogomil far and wide.  

The main source of doctrinal information is the work of Euthymius Zigabenus, who says that they believe that God created man's soul but matter was the invention of Satan, God's older son, who in seducing Eve lost his creative power. For Bogomils "the Logos was not the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Eternal Word incarnate, but merely the spoken word of God, shown in the oral teaching of Christ". Concerning the Bogomils themselves, something can be gathered from the polemic ''Against the Newly-Appeared Heresy of the Bogomils'' written in Slavonic by Cosmas the Priest, a 10th-century Bulgarian official. The Slavonic sources are unanimous on the point that the teaching of the priest Bogomil was Manichaean. The names of Bogomil's pupils or "apostles", were said to be Mihail, Todur, Dobri, Stefan, Vasilie and Peter. Zealous missionaries carried the doctrines of Bogomil far and wide.  

The central teaching of the Bogomils, based on a dualistic cosmology, was that the visible, material world was created by the devil. Bogomils explained the earthly sinful corporeal life as a creation of Satan, an angel that was sent to Earth. Due to this duality, the church believes that their doctrine undervalues everything that is created with materialistic and governmental goals. Thus, they denied the doctrine of the incarnation and rejected the Christian conception of matter as a vehicle of grace. They rejected Baptism, the Eucharist, and the whole organization of the Orthodox Church. The moral teaching of the Bogomils was just as consistently dualistic. They condemned those functions of man that bring him into close contact with matter, especially marriage, the eating of meat, and the drinking of wine. In fact, the moral austerity of the Bogomils invariably was acknowledged by their fiercest opponents.

The central teaching of the Bogomils, based on a dualistic cosmology, was that the visible, material world was created by the devil. Bogomils explained the earthly sinful corporeal life as a creation of Satan, an angel that was sent to Earth. Due to this duality, the church believes that their doctrine undervalues everything that is created with matter. Thus, they denied the doctrine of the incarnation and rejected the Christian conception of matter as a vehicle of grace. They rejected [[Baptism]], the [[Eucharist]], and the whole organization of the [[Orthodox Church]], but their rejection of the [[sacrament]]s and the entire organization of the Orthodox Church made them heretics, and they were therefore sought out for conversion and, in some cases, persecution. The moral teaching of the Bogomils was just as consistently dualistic. They condemned those functions of man that bring him into close contact with matter, especially marriage, the eating of meat, and the drinking of wine. In fact, the moral austerity of the Bogomils invariably was acknowledged by their fiercest opponents.

In their original monarchian dualist story, Bogomils taught that God had two sons, the elder Satanail and the younger Michael. Satanail rebelled against the father and became an evil spirit. He created the lower heavens and the Earth and tried in vain to create man, though in the end he had to appeal to God for the Spirit. After creation, Adam was allowed to till the ground on condition that he sold himself and his posterity to the owner of the Earth, Satanail.  

In their original monarchian dualist story, Bogomils taught that God had two sons, the elder Satanail and the younger Michael. Satanail rebelled against the father and became an evil spirit. He created the lower heavens and the Earth and tried in vain to create man, though in the end he had to appeal to God for the Spirit. After creation, Adam was allowed to till the ground on condition that he sold himself and his posterity to the owner of the Earth, Satanail.  

The chief literature of all the heretical sects throughout the ages has been that of apocryphal Biblical narratives, and the Bogomil popes Jeremiah or Bogumil are directly mentioned as authors of such forbidden books "which no orthodox dare read". In its most simple and attractive form, as being supposedly invested with the authority of the reputed holy author, their account of the creation of the world and of man, the origin of sin and redemption, the history of the Cross, and the disputes between body and soul, right and wrong, heaven and hell, were embodied either in "Historiated Bibles" (Paleya) or in special dialogues held between Christ and his disciples, or between renowned Fathers of the Church who expounded these views in a simple manner adapted to the understanding of the people (Lucidaria). Though these writings are mostly of the same origin as those from the older lists of apocryphal books, they underwent a modification at the hands of their Bogomil editors, so as to be useful for the propagation of their own specific doctrines.

The chief literature of all the heretical sects throughout the ages has been that of apocryphal Biblical narratives, and the Bogomil popes Jeremiah or Bogumil are directly mentioned as authors of such forbidden books "which no orthodox dare read". In its most simple and attractive form, as being supposedly invested with the authority of the reputed holy author, their account of the creation of the world and of man, the origin of sin and redemption, the history of the Cross, and the disputes between body and soul, right and wrong, heaven and hell, were embodied either in "Historiated Bibles" (Paleya) or in special dialogues held between Christ and his disciples, or between renowned Fathers of the Church who expounded these views in a simple manner adapted to the understanding of the people (Lucidaria). Though these writings are mostly of the same origin as those from the older lists of apocryphal books, they underwent a modification at the hands of their Bogomil editors, so as to be useful for the propagation of their own specific doctrines.

Bogomils accepted the four Gospels, fourteen Epistles of Paul, the three Epistles of John, James, Jude, and an Epistle to the Laodiceans, which they professed to have. They held the "Lord's Prayer" in high respect as the most potent weapon against Satan, and had a number of conjurations against "evil spirits". Other possible source texts for Bogomil doctrine include:  

Bogomils accepted the four Gospels, fourteen Epistles of Paul, the three Epistles of John, James, Jude, and an Epistle to the Laodiceans, which they professed to have. They held the "Lord's Prayer" in high respect as the most potent weapon against Satan, and had a number of conjurations against "evil spirits". Other possible source texts for Bogomil doctrine include:  

The religious distribution at the time of the East–West Schism of 1054 shows the Bogomils concentrated in the [[Balkans]].<ref>See [[Pentarchy]] and [[Petrine Primacy]], also [[Orthodox Church]].</ref>  

The religious distribution at the time of the East–West Schism of 1054 shows the Bogomils concentrated in the [[Balkans]].<ref>See [[Pentarchy]] and [[Petrine Primacy]], also [[Orthodox Church]].</ref>  

Much may also be learned from the doctrines of the numerous ''variations'' of Bogomilism which spread in Medieval Kievan Rus' after the 11th century.

Much may also be learned from the doctrines of the numerous ''variations'' of Bogomilism which spread in Medieval Kievan Rus' after the 11th century. Bogomil and Cathar heretics developed a number of myths that circulated in both eastern and western Europe.  

During the 11th and 12th centuries Bogomilism spread over many European and Asian provinces of the Byzantine Empire.  

During the 11th and 12th centuries Bogomilism spread over many European and Asian provinces of the Byzantine Empire.  

At the end of the 12th century Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja called the Serbian Council against Bogomilism, organized by Stefan Nemanja. The council deemed Bogomilism a heresy, and expelled them from the country. Large numbers, majority of Vlach origin, took refuge in Bosnia and Dalmatia where they were known under the name of Patarenes (Patareni).

At the end of the 12th century Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja called the Serbian Council against Bogomilism, organized by Stefan Nemanja. The council deemed Bogomilism a heresy, and expelled them from the country. Large numbers, majority of Vlach origin, took refuge in Bosnia and Dalmatia where they were known under the name of Patarenes (Patareni).

1200 - 13th century

1200 - 13th century

In 1223 the Albigenses are declared to be the local Bougres, and in the same period mention is made of the "Pope of the Albigenses who resided within the confines of Bulgaria".  

In 1223 the Albigenses are declared to be the local Bougres, and in the same period mention is made of the "Pope of the Albigenses who resided within the confines of Bulgaria".  

A second Hungarian crusade against Bosnia on the pretext of bogomil heresy was launched in 1225, but failed.

A second Hungarian crusade against Bosnia on the pretext of Bogomil heresy was launched in 1225, but failed.

In 1234, the Catholic Bishop of Bosnia was removed by Pope Gregory IX for allowing heretical practices. In addition, Gregory called on the Hungarian king to crusade against the heretics. However, Bosnian nobles were able to expel the Hungarians.  

In 1234, the Catholic Bishop of Bosnia was removed by Pope Gregory IX for allowing heretical practices. In addition, Gregory called on the Hungarian king to crusade against the heretics. However, Bosnian nobles were able to expel the Hungarians.  

The [[Inquisition]] reported the existence of a dualist sect in Bosnia in the late 15th century and called them "Bosnian heretics", but scholarly research suggests that this sect was most likely not the same as the Bosnian Church.  

The [[Inquisition]] reported the existence of a dualist sect in Bosnia in the late 15th century and called them "Bosnian heretics", but scholarly research suggests that this sect was most likely not the same as the Bosnian Church.  

Bogomilism had been eradicated in Bulgaria, Rascia and Byzantium in the 13th century, but some smaller elements survived in Rascia's principality of Hum and Bosnia by embracing the eastern traditions of the Bosnian Church. The Hungarians undertook many crusades against the heretics in Bosnia, but toward the close of the 15th century, the conquest of that country by the Turks put an end to their persecution. The Bogomils were still being persecuted in Bosnia in 1462. A year later, Bosnia was conquered by the [[Ottoman]]s, the Ottoman Empire gained control of the region in 1463, and the Bogomils apparently adopted [[Islam]], as they did elsewhere following Islamic conquests <ref>Bozoky</ref>. With the Ottoman conquest of southeastern Europe in the 15th century, obscurity descended upon the sect.

Bosnia had offered the Bogomils safe haven. Bogomilism had been eradicated in Bulgaria, Rascia and Byzantium in the 13th century, but some smaller elements survived in Rascia's principality of Hum and Bosnia by embracing the eastern traditions of the Bosnian Church. The Hungarians undertook many crusades against the heretics in Bosnia.. Bogomils were denounced as heretical due their doctrines, however what they endured led them later to adopt Islam, when Ottoman rule arrived in the region. Because they were suffering oppression elsewhere from the Catholic and Serbian Orthodox, this led the Bogomils to see the Ottomans as liberators and help the Turks against the Hungarians in 1414. Building closer ties with Turks toward the close of the 15th century, Bogomils later welcomed Ottomans. The Bogomils were still being persecuted in Bosnia in 1462, but a year later, Bosnia was conquered by the [[Ottoman]]s; the Ottoman Empire gained control of the region in 1463. When they conquered Bosnia the Bogomils welcomed them and apparently adopted [[Islam]], as they did elsewhere following Islamic conquests <ref>Bozoky</ref>. Authy Phyllis in her book ''Yugoslavia'' said, "Bogomils preferred to be conquered by the Sultan than converted by the Pope."

 

The conquest of that country by the Turks put an end to their persecution. With the Ottoman conquest of southeastern Europe in the 15th century, obscurity descended upon the sect.

Few or no remnants of Bogomilism have survived in Bosnia. The surviving old Slavonic lists of forbidden books of the 15th and 16th century give us a clue to the discovery of Bogomil heretical literature and of the means the Bogomils had employed to carry on their teachings.  

Few or no remnants of Bogomilism have survived in Bosnia. The surviving old Slavonic lists of forbidden books of the 15th and 16th century give us a clue to the discovery of Bogomil heretical literature and of the means the Bogomils had employed to carry on their teachings.  

[[category:Protestantism]

[[category:Protestantism]

[[category:Heresies]

[[category:Heresies]